A Public Health Notice has been issued after nearly 30 cases of measles were identified in six Canadian provinces.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says the cases have popped up in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island since the beginning of the year.
Officials say measles is relatively rare in Canada thanks to immunization and only six cases were reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada in all of 2012.
Measles is a very contagious disease that can cause blindness, encephalitis, or severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
It is spread easily through close contact with an infected person and can affect all ages.
Officials say most of the cases reported in Canada this year were the result of secondary transmissions and were travel-related.
People are susceptible to measles if:
- They haven't been vaccinated against the disease
- They only received one of the two recommended doses of vaccine
- They have a weakened immune system due to an underlying medical condition
Canadians are encouraged to keep their immunizations up to date, especially if you are planning to travel.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Red eyes/sensitivity to light
- Small white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat
-
Red blotchy rash that starts on the face three to seven days after the
start of the symptoms and then progresses down the body.
People who develop symptoms similar to measles should see a health care provider and describe the symptoms over the phone before the appointment to limit exposure to others.
There is no specific treatment for measles and symptoms are usually treated with medication to reduce fever and fluids.
Measles is one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths in children worldwide.
For more information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Website.
